Ruth Nicolaci, left, hugs her son and firefighter Lt. G. Bourne Knowles Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, for the first time since learning that the landscaping business that she started with Mr. Knowles' father had been destroyed by fire in Fairhaven, Mass. Lt. Knowles, a volunteer firefighter, was among those who fought the four-alarm fire at the landscaping business that was started by his parents.

The United States Coast Guard Academy Cadet Glee Club processes into the chapel for the Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012 at the United States Coast Guard Memorial Chapel on the grounds of the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. The service, based on an 1880 Christmas Eve service drawn up by the Bishop of Truro, England, includes scripture reading, performances by the United States Coast Guard Hand Bell Choir and Cadet Glee Club. Following the service the academy's official Christmas Tree was lit outside the chapel.

Photo: Sean D. Elliot, Associated Press

The United States Coast Guard Academy Cadet Glee Club processes...

The United States Coast Guard Academy Cadet Glee Club processes... Photo-3851515.53466 - SFGate

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Hundreds of police officers and other aw enforcement officers saluted at burial service for Cold Spring Police Officer Tom Decker at St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012 in St. Nicholas, Minn. Decker was shot and killed while on duty last week outside a Cold Spring, Minn., bar in what officials called an ambush.

Joe Young wears a Santa hat to the performance of the East Lake Academy Chamber Choir at the Hamilton County Courthouse in Chattanooga,, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012.

Photo: Jake Daniels, Associated Press

Joe Young wears a Santa hat to the performance of the East Lake...

Joe Young wears a Santa hat to the performance of the East Lake... Photo-3851511.53466 - SFGate

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Curtis Allgier shows listens during sentencing, Wednesday Dec. 5, 2012 in Salt Lake City. Allgier was given a life sentence without the possibility of parole Wednesday for killing a prison guard during a doctor's appointment five years ago, then leading police on a high-speed chase that ended at a fast-food restaurant, where a customer wrestled a gun from him.

Milaeger's employee Darlene Simonsen waters holiday poinsettias on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012 in the store's greenhouse in Racine, Wis. Milaeger's boasts over 20,000 plants in 40 varieties and 15 colors including the new crinkle leaf and variegated varieties between it's two Racine-area stores and greenhouses. Several shades of red, white, marble, burgundy, pink and multi-colored are available in 10 sizes.

Native American Women Warriors members and U.S. military veterans (L-R) Mitchelene Big Man of Lodge Grass, Montana; Julia Kelly of Billings, Montana; and Sarah Baker of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina present the colors during the opening of the White House Tribal Nations Conference at the Department of Interior December 5, 2012 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama and cabinet secretaries from his administration are scheduled to address the conference, which included breakout sessions on topics like "Protecting Our Communities: Law Enforcement and Disaster Relief," "Building Healthy Communities, Excellence in Education and Native American Youth," and other subjects.

Photo: Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Native American Women Warriors members and U.S. military veterans...

Native American Women Warriors members and U.S. military veterans... Photo-3851508.53466 - SFGate